Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Adam Kinzinger

Public opinion and media debates around Adam Kinzinger—discover key moments of controversy.

Adam Kinzinger is an American politician, CNN political commentator, and former Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel. He served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois from 2011 to 2023, initially representing the 11th and later the 16th congressional districts. While a Republican, he is known for his vocal criticism of Donald Trump and his role on the January 6th Committee. He chose not to seek reelection in 2022 and is now a senior political commentator.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

December 2020: Kinzinger criticizes Trump's election fraud claims and the Texas Republican Party

In December 2020, Adam Kinzinger criticized Donald Trump's repeated claims of election fraud on Twitter. Kinzinger also criticized the Texas Republican Party and called for the firing of its chairman, Allen West, when the party floated the idea of secession.

January 7, 2021: Kinzinger calls for Trump's removal after Capitol attack

On January 7, 2021, following the storming of the U.S. Capitol, Adam Kinzinger became the first Republican House member to advocate for Donald Trump's removal from office via the 25th Amendment, citing dereliction of duty. He called for Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment, describing Trump as "unfit" and "unwell".

February 24, 2021: Kinzinger Responds to Greene's Transgender Comments

On February 24, 2021, Adam Kinzinger responded to Marjorie Taylor Greene's anti-transgender sign by criticizing her behavior and expressing support for Marie Newman's transgender daughter.

October 21, 2021: Kinzinger Votes to Hold Steve Bannon in Contempt

On October 21, 2021, Adam Kinzinger was one of nine House Republicans who voted to hold Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the January 6 Committee.

November 14, 2021: Kinzinger Regrets Vote Against First Trump Impeachment

In a November 14, 2021, interview with Rolling Stone, Adam Kinzinger expressed regret for his vote against Donald Trump's first impeachment, stating, "If I went back in time, I would vote for the first impeachment." He also called Tucker Carlson a "manipulative son of a bitch".

2021: Kinzinger votes to impeach Trump and join January 6th committee

In 2021, Kinzinger was among the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting insurrection. He also voted to create, and was appointed to, the select committee investigating the January 6th United States Capitol attack.

February 4, 2022: RNC Censure of Kinzinger

On February 4, 2022, the Republican National Committee (RNC) censured Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney for their involvement in the House investigation of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, referring to the events of January 6 as "legitimate political discourse."

August 16, 2022: Kinzinger Claims Some Equate Trump with Jesus

On August 16, 2022, during an interview on MSNBC, Adam Kinzinger stated that some people equate Donald Trump with Jesus Christ, suggesting that opposing Trump is perceived as opposing Christian values.